Anticholinergic therapy for bronchiectasis.

BACKGROUND: Anticholinergic agents block bronchoconstriction mediated by the vagus nerve and may also dry up bronchial secretions. They are effective in obstructive airways disease and may be beneficial in bronchiectasis

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of anticholinergic therapy in acute exacerbations and stable bronchiectasis.

SEARCH STRATEGY: The Cochrane Airways Group clinical trials register was searched using the terms bronchiectasis AND anticholinergic OR ipratropium bromide OR tiotropium OR atropine.

SELECTION CRITERIA: Only randomised controlled trials were considered.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers assessed the retrieved studies working independently.

MAIN RESULTS: Twelve studies were identified, of which six were obtained for further scrutiny. One was translated from Italian. None met the inclusion criteria.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: No formal recommendations can be made about the use of anticholinergic therapy in acute or stable bronchiectasis based on the literature currently available.